Isle Royale Forums

Greenwood Lake fire is now over 8000 acres.

John Elk fire went from less than 20 to over 1500 acres in the past 24 hours. The BWCA is closed as of Saturday afternoon, and wilderness rangers are sweeping the region of all visitors. Quetico backcountry was already closed.

Makes me thankful that the Horne fire on Isle Royale is contained!

Bobcat1 wrote: Sat Aug 21, 2021 3:43 pm John Elk fire went from less than 20 to over 1500 acres in the past 24 hours. The BWCA is closed as of Saturday afternoon, and wilderness rangers are sweeping the region of all visitors. Quetico backcountry was already closed.

Makes me thankful that the Horne fire on Isle Royale is contained!

My concern for IR are the folks who think it is ok to have campfires in particular, in spots where no fires are allowed. The young balsam, one of the primary moose browse in winter on IR, if they caught fire, the harm from a fire destroying the young balsam would be irreparable.
The firefighters cannot catch a break in the BWCA.

This year's a perfect storm for forest fires in the boreal forest. Way below average rainfall combined with a spruce budworm outbreak (which hits balsam fir harder than spruce) make for ideal conditions for stand-replacement fires. But fire is a natural part of the boreal forest ecosystem and shouldn't be feared, no matter how dramatic the photos seem. 10 years from now, these burned areas will be lush with regeneration. That's the way it's supposed to work.

The NPS has updated the status of the Horne Fire... Now at 200 acres and lots of closures. Winds were strong yesterday. Somebody on the Horne Fire thread posted photos from the seaplane this morning.

https://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/ ... royale.htm

From the NPS:
Fire Restrictions
As of 9/11, fire restrictions in the park have been lifted. Campfires are allowed in metal rings and grill grates found at select campgrounds. Use dead and downed wood only no bigger than your wrist. Make sure fires are completely out before you go to bed or leave a campground.